DND Report
Islamabad, March 17 — Concerns are being raised over what observers describe as a coordinated and sustained online campaign allegedly promoting pro-Afghan Taliban narratives and targeting Pakistan’s state institutions. The campaign is said to involve several little-known digital entities, including an organization identifying itself as the “International Human Rights Foundation” (IHRF), which operates the X (formerly Twitter) account @IHRF_English.
According to analysts monitoring online activity, content produced by the organization has been widely circulated within Pakistan through WhatsApp groups, X posts, and Facebook pages. The dissemination is reportedly amplified by networks described as pro-PTI and anti-state elements. Critics argue that despite the scale of this digital outreach, authorities have yet to take significant steps to counter what they view as propaganda and disinformation.
The issue gained renewed attention following a post by IHRF late Monday night, in which the organization condemned Pakistan’s reported airstrikes on alleged militant hideouts and military depots in Kabul and Kandahar. In its statement, IHRF called for an “independent international investigation” into the incident, a position that triggered further scrutiny of the group’s background and activities.
Subsequent examination of the organization’s digital footprint has revealed a pattern of political messaging over recent years. Archived posts from 2022 to 2024 show repeated commentary on Pakistan’s internal political developments. These include calls for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan following his conviction on corruption charges, demands regarding the case of journalist Imran Riaz Khan—who is currently facing legal proceedings—and criticism of Pakistan’s judiciary over its rulings.
The organization has also commented on high-profile incidents involving journalists, including the 2022 killing of Arshad Sharif in Kenya, where it accused the Pakistani government of involvement, and the case of journalist Siddique Jan, alleging state harassment. Observers note that the overall tone of these posts consistently criticizes Pakistan’s security institutions and governance structure.
Further claims suggest that the organization was originally established in India’s Uttar Pradesh during the early 2000s by individuals identified as Jay Singh and Harshita Pritam. While it now presents itself as operating from Madrid, Spain, questions have been raised regarding its jurisdiction and regulatory oversight. Analysts point out that if the group is indeed functioning from within the European Union, its alleged promotion of entities such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghan Taliban leadership—some of whom remain under United Nations Security Council sanctions—could potentially violate European laws.
IHRF states that its guiding philosophy is based on the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), which it claims allows it to operate globally. However, critics argue that its recent messaging increasingly aligns with pro-Taliban narratives, while simultaneously condemning Pakistani military actions.
The organization maintains an online presence through its current website, https://ihrf.world, but this page does not access to read material without registration while older pages hosted on Google Sites remain accessible, including:
A review of its X account also reveals multiple posts reflecting political positions on Pakistan, including:
- https://x.com/IHRF_English/status/1687755927221342208?s=20
- https://x.com/IHRF_English/status/1749897553213116794?s=20
- https://x.com/IHRF_English/status/1657273592567005185?s=20
- https://x.com/IHRF_English/status/1746308497057124578?s=20
- https://x.com/IHRF_English/status/1585589957011324928?s=20
- https://twitter.com/IHRF_English/status/1637896009421406208
Analysts emphasize that the organization’s timeline reflects a consistent pattern of advocacy that aligns with specific political and ideological narratives, including support for PTI-linked positions as well as recent content perceived as sympathetic to Afghan Taliban viewpoints.
The emergence of such online campaigns highlights the growing role of digital platforms in shaping political discourse and influencing public opinion across borders. Experts stress the need for greater scrutiny, regulatory clarity, and coordinated responses to address the spread of potentially harmful or misleading information in an increasingly interconnected information environment.
